Movie Details

Sargent Nallathambi (1993) Overview & Release • Title (Sinhala): Sargent Nallathambi • Release Date: February 26, 1993 • Film No: 751 in Sinhala cinema history • Color Format: Colour • Format: 35 mm film Key Cast & Crew • Main Actor: Nihal Silva as Sargent Nallathambi • Main Actor: Gamini Fonseka • Main Actress: Vasanthi Chathurani • Director: Ananda Wickramasinghe • Producer: Nihal Silva Background & Context Sargent Nallathambi originated as a beloved stage drama character performed by comedian Nihal Silva. The character—a Tamil Hindu policeman with a bald head, small moustache, police uniform, and sacred ash (vibhuti) marks on the forehead—became immensely popular on the Sri Lankan stage in the 1980s. The 1993 film adaptation capitalized on this phenomenally successful character, translating the comedic persona from theatre to cinema. Cultural Impact Nihal Silva’s portrayal of Sargent Nallathambi was iconic—so impactful that it not only brought immense fame to the actor but also became one of the earliest Sri Lankan stage dramas to achieve financial success, including international popularity among diaspora audiences in the Middle East. ________________________________________ Summary Table Feature Details Title Sargent Nallathambi Release Date February 26, 1993 Film Number 751 Format Colour, 35 mm Director Ananda Wickramasinghe Producer Nihal Silva Cast Nihal Silva (lead), Gamini Fonseka, Vasanthi Chathurani Origin Adapted from a hit stage drama Cultural Significance Cemented Nihal Silva’s fame as a comedic icon